Islamic Calendar

Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah.

The Islamic calendar, Muslim calendar or Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar, consisting of 12 months that are based on the phases of the moon. Each lunar month is approximately 29.53 days. Therefore, the Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar (solar calendar). 12 lunar months is about 12 x 29.53 = 354.36 days (10 to 11 days shorter than the solar calendar). This is why you may have noticed that the month of Ramadhan and the time of Hajj gets earlier each year.

Most of the months were named according to weather conditions at the time. However, as mentioned above, since they are based on the moon, the months shift about 11 days every year. So, the seasons do not necessarily correspond to the name of the month anymore.

The first Islamic year began in 622 C.E (Christian Era) during which the emigration of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) from Makkah to Medinah, known as the Hijrah.

Note that the actual month names such as Muharram and Ramadhan, were in existence prior to the establishment of the Hijri calendar. That is why, Allah (swt) says:

"Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and
wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..." [Qur'an 2:185]

Qur'an References to Calendar and Months

Both the sun and the moon are described as "calculation devices" for the people (Qur'an 6:96). Thus, while we use the sun for determining the times for prayer, in our daily activities and in clocks worldwide, the lunar calendar is also used to determine the times for Ramadan and Hajj.

He it is that cleaveth the daybreak (from the dark): He makes the night for rest and tranquillity and the sun and moon for the reckoning
(of time): such is the judgment and ordering of (Him) the Exalted in Power the Omniscient. [Qur'an 6:96]

They ask thee concerning the new moons. Say: they are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men and for pilgrimage... [Qur'an 2:189]

It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty) and measured out stages for her: that ye might know
the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain his Signs in
detail for those who understand. [Qur'an 10:5]

Allah (swt) makes it very clear in the Qur'an that there are twelve months (in a year). We are also told that four of these months are sacred (Zul-Qa'dah, Zul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab). While some muslims alternate the sacred and regular months, Allah (swt) condemns this in Qur'an 9:37.

The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of
them four are sacred; that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein and fight the pagans all together as they fight you all
together. But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves. [Qur'an 9:36]

Verily the transposing (of a prohibited month) is an addition to unbelief: the unbelievers are led to wrong thereby: for they make it lawful
one year and forbidden another year in order to adjust the number of months forbidden by Allah and make such forbidden ones lawful.
The evil of their course seems pleasing to them. But Allah guideth not those who reject faith. [Qur'an 9:37]

Muharram

First month of the Islamic Calendar.

Meaning:The word "Muharram" means "Forbidden." Even before Islam, this month was always known as a sacred month in which all unlawful acts were forbidden, prominently the shedding of blood.

Blessing:There are many bounties of this month, especially on 10th of Muharram.

Narrated Aisha (ra)
Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: There is no day when God sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of
Arafah. He draws near, then praises them to the angels, saying: What do these want? [Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 650]

Narrated Ibn Abbas (ra)
When the Prophet came to Medina, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of 'Ashura' (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: "This is a great day on which Allah saved Moses and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Moses observed the fast on this day, as a sign of
gratitude to Allah." The Prophet said, "I am closer to Moses than they." So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the
Muslims to fast on it. [Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 4 (Prophets), Hadith no. 609]

Abu Qataada (ra) has related that the Prophet has reported to have said, "...I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of Arafah may atone for
the sins of the preceding and the coming years, and I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura may atone for the sins of
the preceding year." [Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 564]

Events:

1. Prophet Adam (as) was born and entered the Paradise on 10th of Muharram. Read More...
2. Prophet Ayyub (as) was cured from his illness. Read More...
3. A way was made in the sea for Bani Israel and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. This is
the day when Moses (as) became victorious over Pharaoh. Read More...
4. Prophet Suleman (as) was ordained King. Read More...
5. Hadhrat Hussain (ra) was martyred in this month.
6. Qiyaamah will take place on Friday, 10th of Muharram. Read More...

Safar

Second month of the Islamic calendar

Misconception:

This time of the year was considered to be cursed as many catastrophes and calamities took place. However this belief has been proven to be false and totally without foundation (absurd). This can also be confirmed by the following hadith.

Narrated Abu Huraira (ra)
Allah's Apostle said, "(There is) no 'Adwa (no contagious disease is conveyed without Allah's permission), nor is there any bad omen
(from birds), nor is there any Hamah, nor is there any bad omen in the month of Safar... [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 7 (Medicine), Hadith no.608]

Rabi-Al-Awwal

Third month of the Islamic calendar

Events:

1. The Holy Prophet was born in the month of Rabi al-Awwal (according to several historians and scholars). Read More...The birth of this child was ushered in by glory and triumph for the Ancient House (defeat of Abraha the Abyssinian, when he came to destroy the Kabah * see Al-Qur'an, Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant) 105:1-5). Read More...The Story of Army of Elephants.

Jumada-Al-Awwal

Fifth month of the Islamic Calendar.

Events:

1. The Battle "Moota" took place in 8 A.H. A war against infidels in which the Holy Prophet did not participate. The battle is named after a famous city in Syria (Moota). Hadrat Zaid Ibn Haritha (R.A) was the first appointed General by the Holy Prophet . Read More...

2. In the same Battle Hadrat Khalid ibn Walid (fourth general of the Battle of Moota) was proclaimed by the Holy Prophet as being "one of the swords of Allah (swt)".

Rajab

Seventh month of the Islamic Calendar.

Meaning:From Rajaba "to respect". Another one of the sacred months in which fighting was forbidden prior to Islam. This was one of the most respected months for the Arabs. It is also called Rajab al Fard. Fard means alone; because the other three sacred months come one after another, except this month. It comes alone not like the other 3 consecutive sacred months.

Events:

1. The Holy Prophet ascended to Heaven on the 27th of Rajab on either Sunday or Monday (Mi'raaj). Also see Al-Qur'an 17:1 Read More...
2. Hadhrat Bilal Ibn Haritha (R.A) brought a congregation of four hundred men named Banu Muzeena in the presence of the Holy Prophet . They all embraced Islam and became followers of the Holy Prophet in the year 5 A.H
3. The battle of Tabook took place in the year 9 A.H. This was the last battle in which the Holy Prophet participated.

Deaths:

Imam Abu Hanifa Nu'man bin Thabit (R.A) was born in Kufa in 80 A.H and passed away on the 15th of Rajab 150 A.H.

Shaban

With the Arrival of the Shaban moon numerous blessings are showered upon us. Just as the initiation of rainfall begins with "pitter patter" such blessings reach us in the same accord and fashion.

With the Beginning of Shaban blessings are initiated which progressively escalate so that by mid-Shaban the blessings have reached a considerable amount and finally such blessings reach their peak by the end of Ramadhan.

For example just as a farmer prepares for a fruitful harvest by harrowing his acreage so that the soil may readily retain water, in contrast our souls are geared by the presence of such blessings in Shaban effectively preparing us for a fruitful and completely advantageous Ramadhan.

Events:

1. 'Qiblah', the direction to be adopted within salah, was reverted back to the 'Ka'bah' in Makkah from Baitul Muqaddas in Jerusalem. This took place two years after Hijrah on the 15th of Shaban (also see Al-Qur'an 2:142).
2. Fasting in the blessed month of Ramadhan was made compulsory in the year 2 A.H. on the 25th of Shaban.
3. The battle of Banu Mustaliq took place in Shaban.

Ramadhan

"Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and
wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..." [Qur'an 2:185]

Ramadhan and Lailatul Qadr (Night of Decree): Lailatul Qadr is such a night that the Glorious Qur'an has declared it to be better than a thousand months. [Qur'an 97:3]

Opening the doors to heaven: Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), Allah's Apostle said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3 (Fasting), Hadith no. 123].

Events:1. Hadhrat Hasan (R.A), Holy Prophet grandson was born on 15th of Ramadhan, three years after Hijrah.
2. Qur'an was revealed on the 27th night of Ramadhan from the "Lauhe Mahfooz"
3. The first Battle in the Islamic History, "BATTLE OF BADR" took place on the 17th of Ramadhan in year 2 A.H. Read More...
4. Victory of Makkah took place on 20th of Ramadhan in the year 8 A.H. Read More...
5. Hadhrat Sawdah (R.A) was married in year 10 after Nubuwwah (Prophethood) to the Holy Prophet
6. Hadhrat Zainab Bint Khuzaima's (R.A) marriage took place in the year 3 A.H. to the Holy Prophet .

Deaths:

1. Hadhrat Ruqayyah (R.A), Holy Prophet daughter, passed away at the young age of 23 in the year 2 A.H when Prophet was at "Battle of Badr".
2. Hadhrat Khadijah (R.A), wife of the Holy prophet departed from this world on the 10th of Ramadhan. Read More...
3. Hadrat Fatimah (R.A) took leave from the world on a Tuesday 3rd Ramadhan in the year 11 A.H. (6 months after the death of Holy Prophet she was only 29 years old.)
4. Hadrat Abbas (R.A) the Holy Prophet uncle passed away on a Friday 12th Ramadhan in the year 32 A.H at the age of 88
5. Hadrat Ali (R.A) the Prophet son-in-law departed from this world on 21st Ramadhan, in the year 40 A.H.
6. Hadhrat Saffiyah (R.A) took leave from this world in the year 50 A.H, aged 60 years.
7. Hadhrat Aa'ishah (R.A) was 65 years old when she departed in the year 58 A.H.

Shawwal

Its Sunnah (Tradition of Holy Prophet ) to fast for six days in Shawwal, as narrated in the following Hadith by Abu Ayyub Ansari (ra) that the Holy Prophet has said, "He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (consecutive fasts) of Shawwal, it would be as if he fasted perpetually (it will be as though he has fasted all year round)." [Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 566]

Events:

1. Hadhrat Aa'ishah Siddiqah (R.A) was married to Holy Prophet in Shawwal, 10 years after Prophethood which is 3 years before Hijrah.

2. The fight between Banu Qaynaqaa took place between the battle of Badr and Uhud, Shawwal 2 A.H.
3. The battle of Uhud also took place in Shawwaal, 3 A.H. Read More...
4. Hadhrat Hussain (R.A) Holy Prophet's grandson (son of Hadhrat Fatima) was born in the month of Shawwal, 4 years after Hijrah.
5. The Holy Prophet married Hadhrat Umme Salamah (R.A) in Shawwal in the 4 A.H.
6. Imam Bukhari (R.A) was born on a Friday of Shawwal in the year 194 A.H.

Zul-Qa'dah

Eleventh month of the Islamic Calendar. This is the third sacred month in which fighting was forbidden. The people also used to stop their business activities during this month and prepare for the Hajj (Pilgrimage).

Events:

1. The battle of 'Khandaq (trench) or Ahzab' took place in the year 5 A.H.
Read More...
2. Truce of Hudaibiyah in the year 6 A.H.
Read More...
3. In the year 6 A.H 'Bay'at-e-Rizwaan' (The oath of allegiance named Rizwaan).
4. The return to Makkah for pilgrimage by Holy Prophet and his Companions in the year 7 A.H. Read More...

Zul-Hijjah

Meaning: The month of "Hajj" (Pilgrimage). This is the last sacred month in which fighting is forbidden.

Blessings:The fifth pillar of Islam "Hajj" is performed in this sacred month. The first ten days of Zul-Hijjah are the most virtuous days in this whole month, Hajj is performed amongst these ten days.

It has been stated in the Glorious Qur'an, "By the Break of Day; By the ten nights (ie. the first ten days of the month of Zul-Hijjah); By the Even and Odd (contrasted); and by the Night when it passeth away- Is there (not) in these an adjuration (or evidence) for those who understand?" [Al Fajr (The Dawn), 89:1-5]
Abu Qataada (ra) has related that the Prophet has reported to have said, "...I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of Arafah may atone for
the sins of the preceding and the coming years, and I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura may atone for the sins of
the preceding year." [Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 564]

Events:1. The Prophet performed the farewell Hajj and gave the historic sermon known as the "Farewell Sermon". Read More...
2. Egypt was conquered by the army sent by Umar (R.A)
3. Uthmaan (R.A) was appointed the third Caliph.
4. "Bay'ate-Aqabah" Read More...

5. Hadhrat Fatimah (R.A) was married in this holy month to the fourth Caliph Hadhrat Ali (R.A)

All praises and thanks are due to Allah the Lord of the worlds. Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength. May Allah forgive our sins with his Infinite Mercy, Aameen.